In the laboratory, precise measurements of liquid materials are required; hence, the volumetric flask is the instrument of choice for making those measurements. They are chosen over graduated cylinders and beakers, which are other types of equipment used to measure liquids since the former is more accurate. Volumetric flasks are a must-have tool when exact measurements are important to the success of the experiment.
What is Volumetric Flask?
A volumetric flask is used for the preparation and measurement of chemical solutions. It is put to use in the process of producing a solution at a predetermined volume. Beakers and Erlenmeyer flasks are not nearly as precise as volumetric flasks when it comes to measuring volumes. The bulb and the long neck are the defining characteristics of a volumetric flask. The majority of volumetric flasks have flat bottoms, which allow them to be set on a laboratory bench or other surface.
The Need for a Volumetric Flask
The volumetric flask is an instrument that is used in a laboratory for the purpose of precisely measuring a variety of liquid volumes. They may be put to use in the process of establishing a composition by mixing together a variety of materials without compromising the function of the composition. Keep in mind that the use of numerous flasks is restricted to the labs found in educational institutions. These flasks are often characterized by a more straightforward design and a higher degree of fragility. Nevertheless, there are other kinds of flasks that are more complicated and can sustain a bigger capacity, and may be found in official laboratories. These flasks contain a variety of different compositions.
How to Use a Volumetric Flask?
Before making the purchase of a volumetric flask, it is essential to have a clear idea of the purposes for which the flask will be put to use. By doing things in this way, we are able to select the model that is going to be the most appropriate for the application that is going to be provided to it. This measurement can be of either the volume of a liquid or the volume of a combination of liquids. The primary purpose of a volumetric flask in any laboratory is to measure the volume of the liquid that is being used in the facility. In addition to that, it may be put through any kind of test or experiment you can think of.
When using a volumetric flask, the phase that requires the most attention to detail is known as “making up to the mark.” “To make up” is to correctly fill the volumetric flask with the appropriate amount of liquid. To accomplish this, the use of a funnel is recommended because of the more gradual peak that it provides. Because it is a thin and protracted peak, it makes it simpler to pour the liquid into the volumetric flask than it would be otherwise. Because of this, we are able to reach a higher level of accuracy despite the decreased likelihood of experiencing a spill. It will also help us get a more accurate measurement and feel more at ease as we go through the process.
How Does a Volumetric Flask Work?
Here’s how to use a volumetric flask to make a solution:
- To begin with, choose a flask that is the appropriate size for the operation.
- Do the math and measurements needed to figure out how much of the solid material is needed to make the right solution.
- The substance should then be moved into the flask using a funnel to make sure that none of the substance is lost during the move.
- For any residue that may still be clinging to the sides of the funnel, perform a last rinse with your solvent (for example, water for aqueous solutions) while it is still in the flask.
- The next step is to half-fill the flask with your chosen solvent, cap the flask and give it a good spin to dissolve the solid material in the solution.
- Once the solid component has been broken down, fill the flask with your chosen solvent almost all the way up to the etched line.
- Take a break and tilt the flask to one side to enable the liquid to flow out of the sides.
- Then, carefully add enough solvent with a medicine dropper to raise the base of the solution’s meniscus to the level of the etching line.
- When you are ready to use the solution you have created, cover it, ensure that it is thoroughly mixed, and shake it.
Usage of a Volumetric Flask
Not only is it used to determine the volume of a liquid, but it is also put to use in the production of various mixtures. The many applications of the volumetric flask can be classified as follows:
- Determination of Volume of Liquids: When determining the amount of liquid, it is helpful to use the markings on the flask’s neck as a guide. Because of them, we are able to determine the volume of the liquid by watching a curve that is either going up or going down.
- Preparation of Solutions: Volumetric Flask can also be used to prepare solutions as one of its primary functions. If we know how much of the solute and the solvent to use, we will be able to combine the correct quantity. A scale or balance is utilized in order to ascertain the solute’s mass. After that, the stopper is screwed onto the volumetric flask, and the flask is shaken until all of the components are combined. This is done so that there is no chance of the solution leaking out.
Why MEDILAB?
We at MEDILAB are leading manufacturers of laboratory glassware including Calibrated Volumetric Glassware. High-quality borosilicate glass is used in all of MEDILAB’s laboratory glassware to make our products comply with the set international standards. At MEDILAB’s in-house Calibration Lab, volumetric glassware like volumetric flasks, Measuring Cylinders, Pipettes, Burettes, etc. are made and precisely calibrated to strict standards. This guarantees Class A/AS accuracy according to ISO/DIN standards.
Likewise, the quality we ensure in Class A Glass Volumetric Flask glassware, MEDILAB’s volumetric flasks made of polypropylene (class B) also offer excellent contact clarity, in addition to their strength and indestructibility. The screw lids that come standard on these autoclavable flasks help to ensure that no liquid leaks out of the flask.
